Here is the math: The homeowner collected $108,000. The city lost out on $16,000 in owed room taxes. That's $16,000 reasons to get mad!

The permit costs $1,000 a year.

With the fine, the homeowner still netted $35,100.

My 2 cents: Get the permit! If you can't ( city regulations say vacation rentals have to be 660 feet from each other, so you are sunk if your neighbor gets there first), figure out the profit and loss before you go ahead. Because as you locals know, paying the fine is a business strategy here in Las Vegas.